Ray Peat on Copper

January 3, 2026

The Synergistic Effects of Copper with Estrogen

“Copper appears to act synergistically with estrogen and may have a similar effect.”

– Nutrition For Women

Dietary and Hormonal Influences on Cellular Respiration

“Various dietary, hormonal, or toxic conditions affect respiration in different ways: for example, a vitamin E deficiency, excess estrogen, toxic hyperthyroidism, and DNP (the formerly popular carcinogenic reducing agent) cause oxygen to be consumed without producing the normal amount of usable energy. A deficiency of vitamin B2 or copper can prevent oxygen consumption. Cancer (contrary to a persistent establishment dogma) involves a defect in respiration and causes a tendency toward hypoglycemia, often compensated by converting protein into sugar, leading to the terminal wasting condition (cachexia).”

– Nutrition For Women

Dietary Relief of Tension Caused by Copper or Estrogen

“Tensions caused by too much copper or estrogen can be alleviated through diet. Usually, a zinc supplement is necessary – about 20 mg per day; approximately 30 mg of vitamin B6 has been recommended for this issue, though the required amount varies individually. Other B vitamins as well as vitamins E and A should also be used.”

– Nutrition For Women

Connections Between Mental Health and Hormonal and Metal Imbalances

“The high concentrations of copper, iron, and lead found in many people with mental health issues could be secondary to a hormonal disorder.”

– Nutrition For Women

The Oxidative Effect of Copper on Vitamin C and Diseases

“Copper is a specific oxidizing agent for vitamin C. It is associated with many inflammatory diseases and should probably be studied more thoroughly in degenerative diseases, including arthritis and glaucoma.”

– Nutrition For Women

Zinc Deficiency Related to Estrogen Excess and Dietary Implications

“Zinc deficiency is often associated with a vitamin B6 deficiency and an excess of copper; since estrogen is linked to zinc loss, other nutrients including vitamin E and folic acid should also be considered when nails show white spots.”

– Nutrition For Women

Dietary Needs During Pregnancy and Their Impact on Development

“Better nutrition before and during pregnancy as well as during breastfeeding makes a big difference for the mental and physical development of the baby. Young women who are pregnant should especially take care to avoid low blood sugar. Older women likely need somewhat more vitamin E and should be particularly careful not to ingest toxic amounts of copper from their water supply or cookware.”

– Nutrition For Women

Estrogen-Altered Nutritional Needs to Maintain Blood Sugar and Support a Healthy Pregnancy

“Vitamin E, vitamin A, and magnesium are additional nutrients that help maintain blood sugar. Vitamin B12 is needed to utilize vitamin A. Folic acid, vitamin B6, and zinc are reduced by increased estrogen and are especially important for a healthy pregnancy. Too much copper can lower blood sugar; too much iron can destroy vitamin E, and a vitamin E deficiency can lead to jaundice, which can affect the baby’s brain.”

– Nutrition For Women

Dietary Changes During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

“Pregnancy and breastfeeding increase all nutritional needs, with the possible exception of vitamin D, copper, and iron.”

– Nutrition For Women

The Immediate Effects of a Copper Solution on Hair Pigmentation

“I found that a single application of a weak copper solution immediately restored the color of the eyebrows or about 10% of the sideburn hairs.”

– Email Response by Ray Peat

Copper Deficiency and Cellular Iron Overload

“Copper-deficient cells, for example in the heart, become overloaded with iron.”

June 1994 – Ray Peat's Newsletter

Aging Process: Heavy Metals, Fats, and Copper Loss

“The accumulation of iron and other heavy metals as well as unsaturated fats and the progressive loss of copper under the stress of darkness are probably the central events in the aging process.”

February–March 1991 – Ray Peat's Newsletter (1)

The Role of Visible Light in Enzyme Regeneration

“Ordinary visible light has several positive effects in animals. One of these is the regeneration of the enzyme SOD (superoxide dismutase) by causing its copper atom to rebind to the protein.”